Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) considering North Little Rock, Arkansas.

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The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in North Little Rock, AR

As a local career analyst, I’ve watched the healthcare landscape in Central Arkansas evolve for years. North Little Rock isn't just a satellite city to Little Rock; it's a distinct community with its own unique job market, particularly in healthcare. If you're a CNA looking for a stable career in a city with a low cost of living and a strong medical backbone, this guide is for you. We’ll look past the brochures and into the actual numbers, commutes, and career trajectories you can expect here.

The Salary Picture: Where North Little Rock Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in the North Little Rock metro area is $34,590/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.63/hour. This places the metro slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, a common trend for the region. However, the job market here is steady, with approximately 129 jobs currently listed in the metro. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, indicating stability rather than explosive growth.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are realistic estimates for the North Little Rock market based on local employer data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $32,000	$13.46 - $15.38
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	$15.38 - $17.31
Senior-Level (6-9 years)	$36,000 - $40,000	$17.31 - $19.23
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$40,000+	$19.23+

Insider Tip: While the median is $34,590, CNAs who specialize or take on shift differentials (nights/weekends) can push their earnings toward the higher end of that mid-level range. Hospitals like Baptist Health often pay a few dollars more per hour than some smaller nursing homes.

Comparison to Other Arkansas Cities:

• Little Rock Metro: Slightly higher, with a median closer to $35,800/year. The competition is also stiffer.
• Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers: Higher cost of living and higher demand lead to a median salary around $36,500/year.
• Jonesboro: Median salary is typically closer to $32,000/year, making North Little Rock a more lucrative option in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is only as good as what it can buy. North Little Rock’s cost of living is a significant advantage, sitting at an index of 89.1 (US avg = 100). The average 1-bedroom rent is $950/month.

Let’s calculate a monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary of $34,590/year.

Category	Monthly Calculation	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Income	$34,590 / 12	$2,883
Taxes (Est.)	~22% of gross	-$634	Includes federal, FICA, & AR state tax.
Net Take-Home		$2,249
Rent (1BR Avg)		-$950
Utilities		-$150	Electricity, water, internet.
Groceries		-$300
Car Payment/Insurance		-$350	Public transit is limited; a car is essential.
Healthcare		-$100	Co-pays, OTC meds.
Miscellaneous		-$200	Uniforms, gas, personal care.
Total Expenses		-$2,050
Monthly Savings		+$199

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a monthly surplus of about $199 and the median home price in North Little Rock hovering around $200,000, buying a home on a single CNA salary is challenging but not impossible with discipline. A 20% down payment is $40,000, which would take years to save. However, single-family homes in areas like Park Hill or Indian Hills can be found for slightly less, and some first-time homebuyer programs in Arkansas offer assistance. Renting is the practical choice for most early-career CNAs here.

Insider Tip: Look for employers who offer a "staffing differential" for 3rd shifts. Baptist Health and CHI St. Vincent can add $1.50 to $2.50/hour for overnight work, which can significantly boost your take-home pay.

Where the Jobs Are: North Little Rock's Major Employers

North Little Rock's healthcare sector is anchored by a few major players. The city is part of the larger Little Rock metro, but many jobs are concentrated in NLR itself, especially near McCain Mall and along the John F. Kennedy Memorial Drive medical corridor.

1. Baptist Health Medical Center - North Little Rock: The largest employer in the city. This is a 250+ bed hospital with a Level III Trauma Center and a busy ER. They have constant openings for CNAs in Med/Surg, Telemetry, and the Emergency Department. Hiring is year-round.
2. CHI St. Vincent North: Located on JFK Boulevard, this is another major hospital in the area. They have a focus on cardiac and orthopedic care. CNAs here often report good team environments and opportunities for cross-training.
3. Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) - North Little Rock: While the main campus is in Little Rock, the ACH in NLR is a growing outpatient and specialty care center. Jobs here are competitive and often require some pediatric experience.
4. Nursing Homes & Rehab Centers: There are over a dozen skilled nursing facilities in the city. Examples include The Green House Cottages of Poplar Grove and The Oaks at North Little Rock. These are often the most accessible entry points for new CNAs.
5. Saline Memorial Hospital (Benton): While technically in Saline County, it's a 15-minute drive from most of North Little Rock and is a major employer for the metro area. They often have a high demand for CNAs.
6. Private Duty/In-Home Care Agencies: Companies like Visiting Angels or Right at Home serve the aging population in neighborhoods like Lakewood and Woodland Edge. This offers more flexible scheduling but less consistent hours.

Hiring Trends: Post-pandemic, there's a steady demand. Hospitals are focusing on retaining staff with sign-on bonuses (often $2,000 - $5,000), which is a key factor to ask about during interviews.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

Arkansas requires all CNAs to be listed on the state's Nurse Aide Registry. If you're new to the state, here's the process.

Requirements & Costs:

• Training: You must complete a state-approved training program (75 hours minimum, including 16 hours of clinicals). Local community colleges (like Pulaski Technical College) and private schools (like Maguire School of Nursing) offer these.
• Cost: Training programs range from $800 to $1,500. Some employers, particularly nursing homes, will pay for your training in exchange for a 6-12 month work commitment.
• Exam: After training, you must pass the Competency Exam (written and skills test). The exam fee is approximately $115.
• Background Check: A criminal background check is required, costing about $50.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Weeks 1-4: Enroll in a CNA program. Full-time programs can be completed in 4-6 weeks; part-time takes 8-12 weeks.
2. Week 5-6: Take and pass your state exam.
3. Week 7-8: Get listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry (this can take a few weeks after passing the exam).
4. Total Time: 2 to 3 months from enrollment to being job-ready.

Insider Tip: If you are already a CNA in another state, Arkansas has reciprocity. You can apply to have your credentials transferred without retesting, provided your license is active and your home state is in good standing with the registry.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNAs)

Your commute matters, especially when working irregular hours. North Little Rock is geographically diverse, with some areas offering a quick 10-minute drive to the hospitals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It Works for CNAs
Park Hill	Historic, walkable, close to downtown NLR and Baptist Health.	$850 - $1,100	5-10 minute commute to most hospitals. Older apartments and some affordable rentals.
Lakewood	Family-oriented, quiet, near the lake and ACH NLR.	$900 - $1,200	Safe, stable area. 10-15 minute commute to JFK corridor. Good for those with families.
Indian Hills	Upscale, wooded, and quiet.	$1,000 - $1,400	Higher rents but excellent safety and quick access to I-40 for commuting to Saline Memorial.
Woodland Edge	Mix of apartments and townhomes, young professionals.	$950 - $1,250	Very close to Baptist Health (5 mins). Many newer complexes, but parking can be tight.
JFK Corridor (East)	Commercial, busy, more apartment options.	$800 - $1,000	The most affordable rents, but be prepared for traffic noise and a less residential feel.

Insider Tip: If you work night shift, prioritize a ground-floor unit or a building with controlled access. Safety and easy entry/exit after a long shift are key.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying as a CNA is a noble career, but advancement is possible. In North Little Rock, the path often involves further education while working.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs who get additional certifications (like Phlebotomy or EKG Technician) can see a pay bump of $1.00 - $2.00/hour. Hospitals are more likely to pay for this than nursing homes.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Medication Aide (CMA): With extra training (80 hours), you can administer medications. This increases responsibility and pay.
  • LPN/LVN: The most common path. Pulaski Tech’s LPN program is a 12-month program. North Little Rock hospitals often offer tuition reimbursement for LPN programs.
  • RN: Requires an Associate's (ADN) or Bachelor's (BSN) degree. Baptist Health and CHI St. Vincent have robust tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth, the market is steady but not booming. The key to growth is specialization. The demand for CNAs in home health and hospice care is expected to rise faster than in hospital settings due to the aging population in neighborhoods like Lakewood and Park Hill.

Insider Tip: Network with nurses and managers while on the job. Many CNA-to-RN transitions happen because a nurse manager recommended an internal candidate for a tuition reimbursement spot.

The Verdict: Is North Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes further here than in most cities.	Lower National Salary: The median $34,590 is below the US average.
Stable Job Market: 129 jobs and 4% growth provide security.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle.
Commute Times: Under 15 minutes is typical for most residents.	Limited Public Transit: Not a walkable city; you must drive everywhere.
Strong Hospital Systems: Major employers offer benefits and tuition help.	Summers are Hot & Humid: The Arkansas climate can be a shock.
Pathways to Advancement: Clear routes to LPN/RN with employer support.	Modest Nightlife: A quiet city; not a major cultural hub.

Final Recommendation:
North Little Rock is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordability, and work-life balance over high salaries and a fast-paced urban environment. It's ideal for those who are single, starting a family, or supporting a family on a single income. If you are ambitious about education, the low cost of living allows you to save for school or work while studying. However, if you crave a bustling city scene, higher pay, or a vibrant arts/nightlife culture, you may find Little Rock or other metros more appealing.

FAQs

1. What is the most common employer for new CNAs in North Little Rock?
Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers are the most common first employers. They offer consistent schedules and are often more willing to train those with no experience. Baptist Health is the top hospital employer but often prefers 1-2 years of experience.

2. Do I need a car to work as a CNA here?
Yes. Public transportation is limited, and hospitals are not centrally located in a walkable cluster. A reliable car is essential to reach shifts on time.

3. How competitive is the job market?
For entry-level positions, it's moderately competitive. The 129 listed jobs suggest a healthy market, but you'll need to apply to 5-10 positions and likely interview at 2-3. Having your certification in hand before applying significantly improves your chances.

4. Are there opportunities for overtime?
Yes. Hospitals and larger nursing homes frequently offer overtime, especially during flu season or staff shortages. Many CNAs work 48-60 hours per week during peak times, which can increase annual earnings by 20-30%.

5. Is North Little Rock safe for healthcare workers?
Yes, the areas where healthcare employers are concentrated (JFK Blvd, Park Hill, Woodland Edge) are generally safe. As in any city, be aware of your surroundings, especially on night shifts. Most facilities have security and well-lit parking.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Arkansas Department of Human Services (Licensing), U.S. Census Bureau, local employer job postings (2023-2024), and cost of living indices.